Local telescope and stargazing shop

Local hobbyists, families, students, teachers, gift buyers and members of astronomy clubs.

Retail margins on products, plus accessories, repairs or setup help, and workshops or events if you offer them. Winter holidays are usually the busiest period.

• Knowing astronomy gear well enough to explain it simply
• Retail sales and customer service
• Stock control and buying
• Running events or talks

• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence and what zoning applies to your unit
• Stock is costly and slow-selling, so be careful with large orders and lease commitments
• Seasonal sales and cloudy winters can affect demand, so plan your cash flow
• Check commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire staff
• Large online sellers can undercut prices, so think about how you will offer advice, setup and events they cannot
• If your shop is in Quebec, check the French-language rules for signage and customer service
• Check GST/HST registration and how provincial sales tax applies

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises and how much stock you buy. Stock is costly and slow-selling, so be careful with large orders and lease commitments.

Check whether your municipality requires a business licence and what zoning applies to your unit. Also check commercial general liability and property insurance, WCB/WSIB rules if you hire, GST/HST and provincial sales tax, and French-language rules in Quebec.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on stock, location and events. The estimate assumes at least about 35 hours a week. Seasonal sales and cloudy winters can affect demand, so plan cash flow.